Heroic AutoZone Employee Fired for Using Gun to Thwart Armed Robbery

Devin McClean never thought that saving his boss’s life would cost him his job … but it did. McClean and his manager were getting ready to close a Virginia AutoZone shop when a gunman burst in and forced the manager to open the store’s safe.

McClean was able to sneak outside, grab a gun from his truck. He was able to scare off the robber, quite possibly saving his boss’s life.

I agree. It is a poorly written policy that many companies utilize. It really ignores reality in an effort to limit the companies exposure to lawsuits in case something bad happens. The boss had no choice because it is a corporate policy.

In some states there used to be a law that if you don't help while witnessing a crime, you could be arrested. Same with Doctors...if they walk away during some sort of accident and don't help like they could...they can get arrested.

This is what happens when corporations write policies that are essentially catch-alls because it's not worth their time to hash out every single possibile instance of an act that would be exempt. While not stupid by itself, when compounded with a lack of a review process it's inherently moronic.

This story is kind of similar to Katt Williams slapping that Target guy and he got fired because he called the police on his cell phone.

Virginia is an at-will employment state so it will be tough for the employee to sue. Yes, he saved his life but retaliation might happen from the robber because the employee pulled the gun and I guess the boss feels he has to do what is best for the safety of the building, employees, and customers.